The Maryland Transportation Authority has named Bruce W. Gartner its executive secretary, effective Dec. 11, following seven months of his acting in the role.

Gartner, 48, temporarily filled the agency's top position in June for former executive Harold Bartlett, upon Bartlett's retirement. The MdTA is an independent state agency that owns and operates the state's toll roads, bridges and tunnels.

The agency has 1,700 employees, including its own police force, an annual operating budget of $270 million and a six-year capital program of $2.2 billion.

Gartner's annual salary will be $135,407, the MdTA said.

Gartner, of Annapolis, was named the director of the Maryland Department of Transportation's policy and governmental affairs office in 2007, and while acting secretary of the MdTA was also assistant secretary for transportation policy and freight at MDOT.

He has served in various other roles at the MdTA and MDOT, including as the MdTA's director of strategic development for four years, over a nearly 24-year career in transportation, the MdTA said.

James Smith, the state's transportation secretary and chairman of the MdTA board, said in a statement that Gartner "has a keen sense of policy development, fiscal responsibility and the legislative process at both the state and federal levels," and "never hesitates to roll up his sleeves, put in the long hours and get the job done."

In his own statement, Gartner said he is "incredibly honored to have the trust" of Smith and the board.

"I look forward to building on MdTA's efforts to improve customer service, safety, efficient travel and financial stewardship," he said.

Gartner has a bachelor's degree in political science and a master's degree in public policy analysis, both from the University of Rochester, the MdTA said.